The Maze - Review

The Maze

John Corey #8

Author: Nelson DeMille

Publisher: Scribner

Release Date: October 11, 2022

ISBN: 9781501101768

Pages: 432

BLURB:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille returns with a blistering thriller featuring his most popular series character, former NYPD homicide detective John Corey, called out of retirement to investigate a string of grisly murders much too close to home.

In his dazzling #1 bestseller, Plum Island, Nelson DeMille introduced readers to NYPD Homicide Detective John Corey, who we first meet sitting on the back porch of his uncle’s waterfront estate on Long Island, convalescing from wounds incurred in the line of duty. A visit from the local Chief of Police results in the legendary Detective Corey becoming involved in the investigation of the murders of a married couple who were scientists at the top-secret biological research facility on Plum Island.

Fast forward through six more bestselling John Corey novels and The Maze opens with Corey on the same porch, but now in forced retirement from his last job as a Federal Agent with the Diplomatic Surveillance Group. Corey is restless and looking for action, so when his former lover, Detective Beth Penrose, appears with a job offer, Corey has to once again make some decisions about his career—and about reuniting with Beth Penrose.

Inspired by, and based on the actual and still unsolved Gilgo Beach murders, The Maze takes the reader on a dangerous hunt for an apparent serial killer who has murdered nine—and maybe more—prostitutes and hidden their bodies in the thick undergrowth on a lonely stretch of beach.

As Corey digs deeper into this case, which has made national news, he comes to suspect that the failure of the local police to solve this sensational case may not be a result of their inexperience and incompetence—it may be something else. Something more sinister.

The Maze features John Corey’s politically incorrect humor, matched by his brilliant and unorthodox investigative skills along with the surprising and shocking plot twists that are the trademark of the #1 New York Times bestselling author, Nelson DeMille.

MY THOUGHTS:

I had heard lots of good things about this series, so when it came up for review, I was excited to read it. I haven't read any of the series before, so I was jumping in with book #8 with the idea that I'd be missing some backstory, but I was not ready for what I jumped into.

The main character, John Corey, is a crass, foul-mouthed, over-the-top, sexist homicide detective. Even worse, is this book done in first person, so there's no way to even try to ignore his character since you're in his head at all times. Yes, if you haven't noticed, I don't like the character at all.

The mystery part of the book was not what I would call great either. What can I say besides this book wasn't for me in all aspects?! I'm not one for swearing, sexual content or just overall lewdness, so I cannot in any way recommend this book. After reading it, I felt like I had to wash my eyes and brain out - yes, it was that offensive to me. If it wasn't for the commitment I made to read and review, I would have dumped this book after chapter 1.  

Worst part, it has no place here on my blog, except as a warning that this book is full of everything I do not stand for. It's extremely offensive and even though I've been assured by other readers of the series that the earlier books are not like this, I won't be reading any of them to find out if that's true! 

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion. 

Promissory Payback by Laurel Dewey

Promissory Payback:
A Jane Perry Novelette
Author: Laurel Dewey
Publisher: The Story Plant
Pub Date: August 02, 2011
Paperback: : 80 pages
ISBN: 9781611880076

About the Book:

Laurel Dewey’s Detective Jane Perry is quickly becoming one of the most distinctive, dynamic, and unforgettable characters in suspense fiction today. She’s rock hard, but capable of extraordinary tenderness. She’s a brilliant cop, but she’s capable of making life-altering mistakes. She’s uncannily talented, and she’s heartbreakingly human.

In this novelette, Jane is called in to investigate the gruesome murder of a woman who profited greatly from the misfortunes of others. The case leaves Jane with little question about motive...and with a seemingly endless number of suspects.

My Thoughts:

I had not read anything by Laurel Dewey before, so I thought this novelette would be a great place to start. Under 100 pages, this fast paced mystery kept me on my toes and was easily read in one sitting. I was a bit concerned about how well developed a mystery could be in such a short book, but Dewey pulled it off brilliantly.

This novelette centers around the murder of a unscrupulous and extremely selfish woman. With her past, the list of possible suspects is quite long - keeping one wondering if the murder was hinged on personal or business reasons. Full of suspenseful twist and turns, this one had me guessing to the end.

Although part of the Jane Perry series, I found Promissory Payback could easily be read as a stand alone. The main character, Detective Jane Perry is a strong female character who is one tough cookie that I enjoyed immensely. My exposure to her made me want to get the other books in the series so I could start from the beginning to really get to know her. She seems to be a complex character with a history that I really want to find out more about.

(I suggest this book for people over the age of 18)

About the Author:

Laurel Dewey’s writing career has been anything but predictable. Born in Glendale, California, Dewey began her career working in public relations. Her writing talents quickly took her into other entertainment avenues. As an assistant editor at BOP Magazine in the late 1980's, Dewey helped launch the blockbuster career of teen pop groups, including The New Kids on The Block. During this time, she wrote a string of successful mystery radio plays for Los Angeles public radio networks.

Not satisfied to write in only one genre, Dewey went on to pen a western novella “In the Name of the Land” which was nominated for a Silver Spur Fiction Award. A collection of short stories followed, as did a successful stint writing and producing radio ads and promos.

In the early 1990’s, Dewey relocated to rural Colorado. But her eclectic writing forte continued as she pursued work as a freelance investigative journalist, advertising/marketing promoter and newspaper columnist. In the mid and late 1990’s, two of her books on plant medicine were published, along with 10 booklets and hundreds of articles on alternative health. During this time, she appeared as a featured guest on hundreds of national radio and television programs and lectured extensively across the United States and Canada.

But then the pages turned...literally. In 2007, Dewey released her first fiction novel, PROTECTOR, a gritty, mystical crime thriller that follows the rocky life of damaged Denver homicide detective Jane Perry. In preparation for writing the book, Dewey immersed herself in detailed research, interviewing Colorado homicide detectives and traveling on "ride-a-longs" with street cops. The intricate research helped Dewey create a debut novel that is powerful, compelling, controversial and utterly original.

The sequel to PROTECTOR, REDEMPTION, was released in June of 2009. The third book in the Jane Perry series, titled REVELATIONS, is due to be released June 14th, 2011. A series of short stories and novellas featuring Detective Jane Perry will be released throughout 2011, starting with "An Unfinished Death" which is a prequel to PROTECTOR.

Dewey lives with her husband and two orange cats in rural Colorado.



I received a copy of this book from Netgalley courtesy of The Story Planet. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Tour & #Giveaway: A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl

I am very pleased to be able to host today's tour. Wayne Zurl was an author I had not heard of before this tour. After reading his book, 'A New Prospect', he has found a permanent place on my bookshelf. I am anticipating the release of his next novel and anticipating collecting all his novels (yes, he's that good!)  


Now you can add this novel to your own shelf. Wayne is generously offering a copy of his novel to two lucky readers! Please see details below.

A New Prospect
Author: Wayne Zurl
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: January 20th, 2011

Format(s): eBook and Trade Paperback
Number of pages: 274
ISBN : 9781935605720
Genre: Fiction - Police Mystery
Content Warning: Mild Sexual References

About the Book:

Sam Jenkins never thought about being a fish out of water during the twenty years he spent solving crimes in New York. But things change, and after retiring to Tennessee, he gets that feeling. Jenkins becomes a cop again and is thrown headlong into a murder investigation and a steaming kettle of fish, down-home style. The victim, Cecil Lovejoy, couldn't have deserved it more. His death was the inexorable result of years misspent and appears to be no great loss, except the prime suspect is Sam's personal friend. Jenkins' abilities are attacked when Lovejoy's influential widow urges politicians to reassign the case to state investigators. Feeling like "a pork chop at a bar mitzvah" in his new workplace, Sam suspects something isn't kosher when the family tries to force him out of the picture. In true Jenkins style, Sam turns common police practice on its ear to insure an innocent man doesn't fall prey to an imperfect system and the guilty party receives appropriate justice. A NEW PROSPECT takes the reader through a New South resolutely clinging to its past and traditional way of keeping family business strictly within the family.

My Thoughts:

Have you ever started a book and had to put it aside to find out more about the author? That's what I ended up doing with "A New Prospect". When I started reading, I found myself absorbed in Chief Sam Jenkins' world because Sam seemed real - I mean really REAL. The Chief was spot on - his actions, his thoughts, his humor - it all said realism. I ended up putting the book aside to do a little checking on Mr. Zurl and what he did for a living before he was a writer. Just as I thought, he knew all about law enforcement. I found that exciting, because these are the books I adore - written from experience. There's a quality that experience  brings to the story that seems to be missing many of the police mystery type novels.

Chief Sam Jenkins is a 60 year old educated and humorous man who has captured my heart (and every other woman it seems he as contact with). He's charming, witty, and references many movies, books and music that shows his age and education - something lost on many of his co-workers and townsfolk. I cannot tell you how many times I laughed out loud and had to read things to my husband because they were so worthy of sharing. Even hubby got a chuckle out of them!

This is a clean read - no sex, although there are some mild sexual references (some are really funny!). There is adult language, but it comes from characters and situations that it would be appropriate from and was not overly done. I appreciated the way certain situations were handled - no bullying or outlandish roughness, and sometimes with care and concern. I found Sam's temperament, restraint, and humor really added depth to the story.

Mr. Zurl has created a character that has found a permanent place on my bookshelf. I look forward to the next novel in the series. Sam is a character I want to visit with again and again. He's my new hero!!

About the Author:

Wayne Zurl grew up on Long Island and retired after twenty years with the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the largest municipal law enforcement agencies in New York and the nation. For thirteen of those years he served as a section commander supervising investigators. He is a graduated of SUNY, Empire State College and served on active duty in the US Army during the Vietnam War and later in the reserves. Zurl left New York to live in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife, Barbara.

Eight (8) of his Sam Jenkins mysteries have been produced as audio books and simultaneously published as eBooks. His first full length novel, A New Prospect, was named Best Mystery at the 2011 Indie Book Awards by the Independent Publishing Professional's Group. It is also available on Kindle.
If you would like to learn more about Wayne or his work, please visit him at: http://www.waynezurlbooks.net

You can also find him on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/waynezurl

GIVEAWAY!!

Entering is simple, just fill out the form below:

I received an e-copy of  A New Prospect  to read and honestly review for this tour.